With sincere affection the Lord then did homage to the feet of Bharata’s mother and embraced her and having dispelled all her embarrassment and grief, saw her off in a palanquin duly equipped for her.

Sita, who cherished unalloyed love for her soul’s beloved, returned after meeting her kinsfolk and her parents. To her mothers-in-law she made obeisance and embraced them all with an affection which the poet’s soul shrinks from describing.

Listening to their instruction and receiving the blessing of her liking, Sita stood lost in the affection of both the families. Raghunatha sent for elegant palanquins and with words of consolation seated each of his mothers therein.

Again and again the two brothers embraced them with equal affection and sent them off. Making ready their horses and elephants and various carriages, the hosts of Bharata and king Janaka set out on their journey.

With their hearts full of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana, all the people departed in a daze; even the animals – bullocks, horses and elephants – trudged on against their will, sad at heart, their spirit overwhelmed with grief.

Adoring the feet of the guru and his wife (Arundhati), the Lord as well as Sita and Lakshmana returned to their leafy hut with mingled pleasure and pain in their hearts.

The Nishada was then courteously sent away and he departed, sorely grieved at heart at the parting Pressed to return, the Kols, Kiratas, Bhils and other people of the woods made repeated obeisance and went home.